LATE NEWS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 294, 13 December 1941, Page 5

LATE NEWS

HEAVY ATTACKS ON PHILIPPINES BRITISH ADVANCING IN LIBYA i By TelcsrHph- Pre.« Association—Copyright. I (Recd. 1.45 a.m.) London. Dec. 12. Strong Japanese air forces are attacking the Philippines. Eleven planes were shot down to-day. The Berlin radio, quoting the Domei Agency (official Japanese) says the Japanese have occupied key positions in Manila. Further details are to hand of the attack on a Japanese battleship of the Kongo class. Rear-Admiral T. C. Hart, Commander-in-Chief of the United States Asiatic Fleet, said that the battleship received one heavydirect hit from United States’ l)ombers. and two lighter hits. When last seen she was definitely out of control and it was certain she had been crippled. There has been no great change in the position in northern Malaya. R.A.F. pilots who took part in the defence of this locality- against the first Japanese invasion, have now reported. These reports disclose how vigorously the planes fought in defence of the British positions. One pilot said they attacked from 50 fe't and there must have been 50 to 60 craft, barges and other vessels on tire. Although Japanese planes a>e still being used in force against Malaya. Singapore had another raid-frae night British troops of the Bth Army in Libya have now reached El Givz.ala and are west of this town, which is 50 miles west of Tobruk. New Zealand troops yesterday reached to a point just east of El Gazala and British and Indian troops have pushed still further westward. Cologne was attacked by Britisli ombers last night.